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Peony In Love, by Lisa See
Jul. 15th, 2007 05:04 pmPeony In Love
by Lisa See
284 pages (hardcover)
Genre: Fiction/Historical/Romance
I read and loved the NYT-bestselling Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by the same author, so I put in an early request for this one and got it quickly. Originally I thought it was a sequel to Snow Flower; it isn't, but that's okay because it's amazing all alone. I used up five tissues in weeping and stayed up past midnight yet again. Imagine reading Romeo and Juliet without any prior knowledge, fresh instead of classic--that's Peony In Love.
Based on a true story of The Three Wives' Commentary (reportedly the first ever published work by women), young Peony watches a staging of The Peony Pavilion, meets a mysterious poet, and falls in love with him. But she has been betrothed since birth and girls are never allowed to choose their future husband anyway. I can't say anything more without spoiling the plot and its many tragic moments, building to the final satisfying ending. Two-thirds of the story is narrated by a spirit (in first person), producing almost a magic realism effect.
On top of all that, the cover is gorgeous and the historical background is well-researched but accessible. Recommended to all, especially mainstream readers.
by Lisa See
284 pages (hardcover)
Genre: Fiction/Historical/Romance
I read and loved the NYT-bestselling Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by the same author, so I put in an early request for this one and got it quickly. Originally I thought it was a sequel to Snow Flower; it isn't, but that's okay because it's amazing all alone. I used up five tissues in weeping and stayed up past midnight yet again. Imagine reading Romeo and Juliet without any prior knowledge, fresh instead of classic--that's Peony In Love.
Based on a true story of The Three Wives' Commentary (reportedly the first ever published work by women), young Peony watches a staging of The Peony Pavilion, meets a mysterious poet, and falls in love with him. But she has been betrothed since birth and girls are never allowed to choose their future husband anyway. I can't say anything more without spoiling the plot and its many tragic moments, building to the final satisfying ending. Two-thirds of the story is narrated by a spirit (in first person), producing almost a magic realism effect.
On top of all that, the cover is gorgeous and the historical background is well-researched but accessible. Recommended to all, especially mainstream readers.
